Ask Tanya Byron: My 22-year-old daughter’s fear of the dark

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My daughter left home for university four years ago. She has now graduated
and, at 22, has a good job. She is sociable, in a good relationship and
healthy (no drugs, little drink) and yet is petrified of being alone at
night.

She has never been burgled, and at 16 was happy to stay at home alone (in
fact, she adored the space — she’s an only child and cherishes quiet time),
but now says that she is scared of someone breaking into the house. She will
stay awake with the lights on until her housemates get back or will not